Ontario-sired two-year-old pacing colts Southwind Sandor and Kodiak Seelster won their Prospect Series debuts as Grand River Raceway hosted a pair of $7,400 third leg divisions on Friday (August 21).
Southwind Sandor ($3.40) delivered as the post time favourite in his division, winning in 1:57.3 by 3-1/2 lengths over second leg champ Fiscal Policy, with the career-debuting Smilingbillythekid third. The Sportswriter colt, who won for the first time at second asking on July 12 at Georgian Downs, is now two-for-six in his young career for trainer/driver Michiel Vanderkemp and owner Dianna Secord.
Four-time starter Kodiak Seelster ($14.80) broke his maiden in 1:58.1 in another division as he held off favourites Counter Offer and Initial Concept by a nose and a neck. Trainer Chris Matthews was aboard the Sunshine Beach colt and shares ownership with Desmond Scott, Jeff Bryan and Todd Williams.
Grand River will host the $15,000 series final for freshman pacing colts and geldings on Friday, Sept. 25 following a pair of legs at Leamington Raceway (Sunday, Sept. 6) and Flamboro Downs (Tuesday, Sept. 15).
In other action, Amber Guse celebrated her first training win courtesy of her three-year-old Big Jim filly Golden Leader ($6.60), who won a $15,000 claiming condition race mid-card by 5-1/2 lengths in 1:56 with Brett MacDonald aboard. Golden Leader was just the second starter for the London, Ont. trainer.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Grand River Raceway